2 Timothy 1:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher,

NIV: And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.

NASB: for which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher.

CSB: For this gospel I was appointed a herald, apostle, and teacher,

NLT: And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.

KJV: Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

NKJV: to which I was appointed a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.

This short verse tells not only why Paul served, but the three key roles in which he served. He served because of the gospel, as noted in the prior verse. He was "appointed" or called to be "a preacher and apostle and teacher." Though closely related, these three terms are each rich in meaning.

Paul's role as "preacher" is from the Greek kēryx. This term specifically refers to a herald: a person who declares news, especially on behalf of a king. The modern world would define this role somewhat like an ambassador.

The term "apostle" comes directly from the Greek apostolos, and literally means a "sent one." The original 12 disciples—excluding Judas Iscariot but including Matthias—served as the first apostles (Acts 1). Others, including Paul, were mentioned as apostles in the early church in an official sense. In Ephesians 4:11, apostles were mentioned alongside prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers as those called to equip the saints.

Paul was literally an apostle—a "sent one"—in the sense of being sent by God to deliver the gospel to new lands. Today, people may serve in missionary roles like Paul but do not serve in the same manner as an early apostle. The official office of an "apostle," a person who authenticated the gospel of Christ, as Paul and Peter did, is no longer active in the church.

Paul's role as a "teacher," the Greek word didaskalos, referred to someone who gave instruction. In the Jewish tradition, this was the same meaning of the title Rabbi, an honor often bestowed on Jesus during His ministry.

Second Timothy 1:8–18 encourages Timothy to be brave and protective of his faith. Paul reminds his dear friend Timothy that the Spirit of God grants Christians spiritual power. As a result, they should not be afraid to associate with persecuted brothers and sisters. Timothy is encouraged to hold to accurate, healthy Christian teachings. Paul also refers to various ministry partners who have supported—or abandoned—him.

Paul introduces himself, then recaps Timothy's path to becoming a minister. He reminds Timothy of how his family brought him up in the faith, and then how Timothy served faithfully with Paul in the past. Paul then focuses on two primary ideas. First, that Timothy's background in the faith should give him the courage to stand fast against hard times. Second, that Timothy should use that courage to defend the truth of the gospel message. Paul will use these points and examples as the foundation for the rest of his letter.

Chapter 1 establishes Timothy's spiritual background. Paul expresses gratitude for Timothy, by reminding him of his past, in order to set the stage for later teachings. Paul first expresses gratitude for Timothy's prior faithfulness, and reminds him of how God called him into ministry. From that point, Paul encourages Timothy to be brave and to guard the truth of the gospel message. Later chapters will explain why Paul feels these traits are necessary, both for the sake of the world and for Timothy in general.

Second Timothy is the last New Testament letter written by Paul. Paul writes these words while awaiting execution by Rome. At this time, around AD 67, Timothy was leading the church in Ephesus. Paul writes to Timothy in order to encourage him. Paul is facing the worst of all hardships: his own impending death. So, he encourages Timothy to stand strong in his faith, with a reliance on the written Word of God. This letter echoes many of the themes Paul uses in his other letters.